Lorne Michaels Gives a Big Hint About When He Will Retire From 'SNL'

I can’t think of many television shows where people are waiting for the creative head to step down. Usually, if the creative force behind a show is leaving, it can be a cause for alarm. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn’t. Someone gets fired, or wants to move on, and people instantly wonder if the show will ever be the same. Hell, it’s even happened at Saturday Night Live before, as Lorne Michaels left his post in 1980, only to return in 1985. Now, forty years after his return, people are wondering when Michaels will leave for good.

The show is celebrating its 50th Anniversary, and even before that, people assumed Lorne Michaels would be retiring soon. Some even assumed that the landmark season would be his last. Replacements have been floated, with people like Tina Fey and Colin Jost seeming like frontrunners. Kenan Thompson has pitched himself for the role. But, no matter how many prospective people throw their hat in the ring, we won’t get any closer to a selection until Lorne retires, and no one is sure when that will be.

You’d assume it would be soon. The man is 80 years old. How many more times can he stay up into the wee hours of Sunday morning trying to get a show on the air? Perhaps he wants to wait until the show reaches 1000 episodes? Maybe he’s one of those people who needs something to do, no matter how difficult, to keep him going? Or maybe it’s not hard for him at all! He cited burnout as a reason for leaving in 1980, so there’s a possibility he hasn’t experienced that again or prefers it to doing… nothing.

Michaels hasn’t done much to make people think more one way than the other, but while accepting a Peabody Award, he gave a hint about when he may be walking away. He was joined by the likes of Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler, and Fred Armisen, saying, “All of those people coming back from the first season on, all being in one room performing and applauding was one of the most moving experiences of my life.” But that led to Michaels alluding to his exit from the show. “I’m not planning a 60th,” he continued. “But I think that getting to do what I get to do is sort of everything that makes me happy. It also makes me angry.”

The legendary producer then gave a sendoff to the awards. “When you come to the Peabodys, unlike other awards shows, you know you’re in the right room,” he noted. “It’s really an honor to be here, so thank you.” No 60th for Michaels, but, to be honest, I’d be surprised if SNL is still around a decade from now. I don’t know if NBC will be around in ten years. Hell, who knows if TV will still be around!? Earth?! You think Earth is still gonna be kicking in 2035?! That seems plausible to you?!?!

Where was I? Oh, yeah. Lorne Michaels, everybody!